Wetta: Wants to attract more business to town

Like many of his opponents in the race for Tonganoxie City Council, Emmett Wetta is concerned about growth and its effect on the community.

"The infrastructure and services are tied to the growth, and revenue generation is tied in there," said Wetta, 35, owner of Mo's Pizza in Tonganoxie. "It's so intertwined, to pick and choose how one's going to be done without affecting others. It's a puzzle."

He is joined in the April 3 election for three open council seats by four other candidates, Jonathan Boone, incumbent Kathy Graveman, Steve Gumm and incumbent Ray Usher.

"I'm community-oriented, and I feel a duty, if people feel I'm a good enough candidate, to put my time in to help the city grow," Wetta said. "I'd like the city to bring in more industry, instead of being a bedroom community and everyone leaving every morning for Kansas City or Lawrence."

Wetta's been in the pizza business for nearly 11 years. He was a partner in Mo's forerunner, Gambino's. About a year ago, he changed the name and purchased the business. Recently, he's also worked as a detention officer for the Leavenworth County sheriff's department, but will leave that job in about a month.

The rural Colwich native is a graduate of Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita, and he graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison with a major in history and a minor in business.

He and his wife, Marlo, have five children, and another on the way: Bailey, 11; Mallory, 9; Sarah, 7; Sophia, 3; and Tom, who's nearly 2.

Wetta's hoping another boy will join him and Tom in the family.

"We're kind of out-numbered, but we hold our ground," he said, laughing.